A woodworker at WoodNet recently asked for advice on picking a new cordless impact drill/driver. Here’s how he plans to use the new driver:

“My use will be for driving self-tapping screws in metal building repair, pocket-hole screws in wood, deck screws, and other woodworking applications.”

Most notably, some Woodnetters advised him against getting an impact driver for those uses. They suggested he go for something with a clutch to give him more finesse for metal connecting and pocket-hole screws.

That said, they also offered up their favorite impact drivers which I have counted here for you:

I have worked both metal studs and wood and an impact works great for self tappers and “you do get a feel for it”, “finese” you do know when to stop driving in the screw, you feel it( unless you’re Joe rough-n-tough no brain, strip the screw every time “A”) I can see why some steer away from impacts for these types of applications because you will strip your screws and you will know it. The impact gives that extra push especially in those odd positions, imagine with a reg. screw gun ? you’ll get tired quicker. Get the Makita 2-drill kit a great combo(its an impact & drill gun),”if” you’re doing alot of pocket hole screws you’ll be set the clutch is important. The Ryobi are a great,great deal for the price.
Which ever you decide to buy, get a lithium-ion battery type, its the newest technology(much lighter,power,keeps its latest charge status when not in use where as ni-cads cells start losing it)

I just bought the Milwaukee 18v Lithium Ion Impact. It came with a free compact 18v drill/driver, but since Ive had it i havent used it. The Milwaukee impact is probably the best drill I have ever owned. Its power and torque beat out my DeWalt with ease. I would recommend this drill to anyone!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been using cordless Ryobi products for the past 3 years and found them all to be very robust and reliable….especially for the cost. I am about to upgrade to the lithium batteries shortly, but even the standard yellow batteries have worked great and still hold a long charge. My impact drill alone has probably driven 400lbs of 3″ deck screws, a bunch of long lag bolts and she’s still going strong.

I just bought an 18volt Milwaukee Lithium Ion impact driver and drill on a sales promotion. I’ve used it for a number of applications and it’s incredible. Plenty of power and the battery life is outstanding. Well balanced and light weight this device has made my life easier. The drill performs with the same high end performance and it too feels powerful and well balanced. Exellent tools.

This is all well and good. But I don’t want cordless power tools. As an occasional user, I always find batteries dead/useless after months of non-use. I prefer corded tools, don’t ever have to worry about the expense and problems with batteries.

The corded variety seem to be only the commercial, not homeowner quality. So, I guess I’ll have to make do with my regular drill….

I believe the ideal power tool I have in my tool kit is the battery powered cordless drill, Recently I tore out my bedroom and did a total reconstruction and the tool I used by far the most and was really useful was my battery charged cordless drill. I believe for every project in the residence I had the cordless drill in my hand. I do believe the restoration project probably would have taken double the time if I didnt have my best tool.

For those that don’t like batteries, and prefer corded, the new lithium ions are pretty nice, they hold charges for a long time in my experience and aren’t dead when I pull them off the shelf like the nicads